Dr. Stacy Williamson reflected on her first few months as Wiley Canyon Elementary School’s new principal in November, noting the challenges and positives of coming onto campus mid-pandemic. 

In the midst of the pandemic, Williamson left her previous position to become the principal at Wiley Canyon Elementary School, intending to foster an environment “that empowers students to make positive contributions to society.”

“Honestly it has been the easiest transition,” Williamson said. “Wiley Canyon has given me the kindest welcome. I have the best kids and a wonderful, supportive staff from office staff to crossing guards.”

Williamson cultivated her passion for teaching when she was just a student and loved the amount of impact she could have, she said. 

Prior to coming to Wiley Canyon Elementary School, Williamson was a principal, assistant principal, Learning Support Teacher (LST) at both the distinct office and school site, as well as an elementary school teacher for the Palmdale School District, according to Williamson. 

As a school site administrator, Williamson’s main goal is to “foster critical thinking and facilitate the acquisition of life-long learning skills in all of our students,” but returning to campus amid the coronavirus pandemic has posed some challenges.

“Social interaction skills have definitely been a struggle, but we’re seeing much improvement,” Williamson said. “Kids have been lighting up as we renormalize school events.”

Wiley Canyon Elementary School has done its part in reaccumulating students to in-person schooling by integrating friendship circles, having more counselors on-site and creating additional opportunities for students to interact, according to Williamson. 

“For students that have issues in creating friendships on their own, we have decided to teach everyone how to be a friend and how to maintain a friendship,” Williamson said. 

A way in which Wiley Canyon staff have promoted social growth is through the implementation of a “buddy bench,” a place where students are able to sit if they don’t have a buddy, cultivating a spot for students to make new friends. 

“They’re just the best kids,” Williamson said. “Earlier this year, we partnered with Hart High where they had a football competition for the kids before the big game. Seeing the excitement on their faces has been the best memory of the school year thus far and I am so excited for the rest of the school year.”

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